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Shortly, I'll be replacing the u-joints on the axle half-shafts of our 1972. I see nothing in the chassis service manual that indicates the need to insure that the half-shafts are reinstalled in the same relative position from which they were removed; that is, left/right or inboard/outboard swapping will not cause any balance issues.
You are correct, there is no need to maintain the same orientation for the shafts. However, as a matter of standard practice, I usually mark such parts so that I can install them in the original orientation. In most instances, it's "overkill", but it's easy to do and certainly can't hurt anything.
One great big tip here: I absolutely do not recommend trying to R&R these half shaft u-joints yourself. They are MUCH more difficult than driveshaft u-joints. Also, you must use a fixture (or a spare spindle flange) to support the half shaft flange while the joints are being removed and replaced. Otherwise, you'll bend the half shaft flange, for sure.
I'd take the half shafts to a professional driveline shop and let them do it. Drive Line Service of San Leandro (California) has been doing mine for years (except the very first time when I decided to try it myself).
Ouch! Thanks, Joe. A long time ago, I had observed while a repair tech performed this job on someone else's shafts, using a large bench vise, wheel lugs and a support fixture. I do recall he had some struggles.
The half shaft u-joints are very hard to do with a bench vise; I'm surprised he was able to do them, at all, that way. This is especially true for u-joints that have been there for a long time (like, original u-joints).
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